Plants in Their Places
Explore plant communities in a variety of locations across the state. Our walk season starts in late Spring and goes until late Fall. Beginners to experts are all welcome.
• Experience the pleasure of being in the nature world.
• Hone your observations skill.
• Learn how to identify plants.
• Consider the natural community in which plants grow.
• Share what you know with a small group of plant and nature enthusiasts.
We are looking for new walk leaders. We are especially keen for one or more leaders to offer family walks. Contact Susan Marcus
Note: Rhode Island Families in Natures offers a host of resource including descriptions of many of the wonderful places to explore in RI.
Walks are listed on our Events Page.
Walks are announced in our monthly eNews, published at the beginning of each month. Subscribe now!
Unless otherwise noted
• Walks are 2 hours on easy to moderate terrain
• Walks are rain or shine. Should there be a cancellation, e.g very bad weather, we notify those who have registered for the walk. Whenever possible we also post a cancellation notice on the event description if time
• Walks are offered for no charge and open to the public. Donations are appreciated as they help defray the costs associated with these walks. DONATE
• Registration is required as we limit the number of participants to maximize the ability for everyone to observe the plants and participate in the conversation about them.
• Dogs are not permitted.
• Wear clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for the weather conditions and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. Bring a sufficient supply of water and nourishment.
• During the Rhode Island hunting season bring and wear the appropriate amount of fluorescent/blaze orange when walking in the woods.
Rhode Island does offer specific details about when to wear blaze orange when visiting State Management Areas and undeveloped State Parks and other large open space properties where hunting might be happening.
Helpful suggestions for plant identification
There are a number of easy to use in the field apps to identify plants. While generally accurate, if precise identification is need, verifying results across apps is helpful.
iNaturalist app in particular is connected to a larger effort that includes recording your observations, sharing them with fellow naturalists and discussing your finding.
The Native Plant Trust online searchable data base Go Botany offers authoritative information about native and naturalized plant species in New England.
Their tutorial on how to identify a plant